Officers, hunter save trapped bald eagle

Two police officers and a hunter saved a bald eagle caught in a snare trap off of Garabedian Drive on Thanksgiving afternoon.

James Ransom, of Methuen, Mass., was scouting hunting locations with a friend when they spotted the eagle ensnared in a metal snap-type trap. Police said it was apparently feeding on the skinned remains of a beaver that had been left behind and got caught in the trap.

Salem police Officer John O'Donnell covered the bird with a blanket while Sgt. Michael Wagner and Ransom worked to free the bird. Officers said the eagle's wing was also wrapped around a small tree.

After removing the trap, they found the eagle only suffered a minor cut to one of its talons, where the trap had snapped shut.

When Wagner picked up the eagle, the bird successfully flew several hundred yards to a nearby pine tree.

Officers located an identification band on the eagle's leg and filed a report with federal authorities. NH Fish and Game was also contacted to assist with the investigation. If anyone has any information regarding the trap at this location, please contact Salem Police at 603-893-1911.